He rushed to get ready and ran into the house, stopping short when he saw Jenna sitting on the sofa.
Her twitching lips let him know she’d seen his eagerness. “She’s still asleep.”
“Oh.” He cranked his neck down the hallway. “Do you know if she fell asleep okay?”
“I assume so. We had tea and talked for a while before going to bed.”
He tilted his head, intrigued. “You talked?”
“I told her what a dork you are.”
“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes, trying to pretend he didn’t care, but apparently did a poor job of it.
Jenna laughed. “You’re pitiful. I thought you’re trained not to show emotion.”
“I am.” His shoulders slumped. “Except when it comes to Monica.”
Standing to her feet, Jenna laid a hand on his arm. “She’s the one, isn’t she?”
He nodded. “If we can make it work.”
“For what it’s worth, she’s just as crazy about you.”
He hoped that was true. “How long can you stay?”
“I promised Mom I’d go to church then lunch with her, and I’ll leave after that.”
A low groan rumbled from him. “I wish I didn’t have to work today.”
“So you could spend more time with me or Monica?” She winked and plopped back down on the sofa, tucking her legs under her lap and picking up a magazine.
“Both.” He jingled the keys in his pocket. “Do you have time for breakfast? I’ll run down to the store and pick up a few groceries.”
“Church doesn’t start for two hours, but I’ll pick up a muffin somewhere. You need time with Monica.”
“We’ll have plenty of time. Her schedule is open indefinitely, but you’re leaving today.” He gave her the puppy dog eyes she’d so often used on him. “Stay, please. I want to hear more about your classes this semester.”
“We’ll see, but if you don’t get moving, I’ll definitely have to leave without breakfast.”
“Want to ride with?”
She shook her head. “I’ll stay here. If she wakes up, I’ll let her know where you went.”
“I appreciate that. Need anything to take back with you?”
“I’m good, but thanks.”
“Call me if you think of anything. I won’t be long.” He left the house and jumped in his truck.
To save time, he stopped at the corner store which had a small grocery section. He’d pay double the price but would save valuable time. Monica’s eating habits ranged from ultra-healthy to anything went. He picked up a cannister of oatmeal, a cluster of bananas, a pack of bacon, and a carton of eggs. At the counter, he ordered half a pound of boudin to add. Monica had loved it last time she’d been in Louisiana.
When he returned home, Monica was still asleep. In the three years he’d known her, she’d never been a late sleeper, which spoke to how exhausted she must have been last night.
Jenna joined him in the kitchen and helped herself to half a link of boudin. “Please tell me you’re making the good stuff and not that healthy junk.”
Rex chuckled as he finished unpacking the bags. “If that’s what you want.”
“I live on oatmeal and yogurt in the mornings, and anything else I can make quick and eat as I go.” She eyed the bacon greedily. “Anything that requires more than hot water or peeling back a lid doesn’t happen.”
